In the quaint town of Brantford, Ontario, memories of the famous ice hockey player, Wayne Gretzky, are vividly alive, despite his seldom visits to his childhood home. Nestled in a quiet residential area, the house where Gretzky grew up is still owned by his family, though the iconic backyard rink that fueled his passion for hockey making its way for a swimming pool long shared with his father, Walter, who passed away in 2021. Now 85, long-time neighbor John Davidson reminisces about the days when visitors thronged Gretzky’s home, so frequent were Wayne’s visits accompanied by a large entourage. But those days of excitement have faded over the years.
Gretzky’s deep roots in Canada are difficult for many, including Davidson, especially considering his accomplishments: four Stanley Cup wins with the Edmonton Oilers and holding records as an NHL scoring legend. At 64, Gretzky is now part of a surprising discussion questioning his allegiance to Canada, mainly due to his association with the former U.S. President, Donald Trump. Images surfaced of Gretzky celebrating at Mar-a-Lago and supporting Trump’s inauguration have provoked controversy among Canadians, especially when the country is dealing with increased tariffs and diplomatic tensions.
Despite his illustrious legacy, Davidson shares his disappointment over Gretzky’s apparent silence on the political climate, reflecting a sentiment shared by many Canadians. “It doesn’t sit well with the community,” Davidson states. “I don’t think Walter would have approved either.” Attempts to reach Gretzky for comment have remained fruitless.
Gretzky’s childhood dominance on the ice still captivates hockey enthusiasts. At just 11, he shattered league records, scoring 378 goals in a single season. By 13, he had tallied over 1,000 goals, leading to a move to Toronto to pursue more competitive hockey before joining the Ontario Hockey League and beyond, paving his way to NHL stardom. Though his professional career took him across various teams, Gretzky’s mark remains mostly remembered for his time in Edmonton where he not only clinched championships but also captured the country’s heart, as demonstrated by the national broadcast of his wedding to Janet Jones.
Brantford, known for its connection to Alexander Graham Bell, is akin to Gretzky’s legacy. His contributions extend beyond the rink, with his charitable endeavors supporting numerous causes in the region. The city’s sports facilities bear his name, including a Sports Centre decorated with memorabilia and statues commemorating his achievements—a reflection of his impact on the community despite living predominantly in the United States.
Gretzky’s relationship with Trump, possibly nurtured over shared rounds of golf, might have once gone unnoticed but now stands under scrutiny. Recent acts of vandalism on his statue indicate the level of unrest among his critics, though some, including Brantford councilor Dan McCreary, dismiss such backlash as part of a broader “cancel culture.” McCreary attributes equal blame to both Trump and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for current international tensions, highlighting the vulnerability of Brantford as a crucial industrial hub intertwined with the automotive sector.
Canadian pride flourishes as consumers champion local products amid trade wars. Nonetheless, Gretzky’s presence remains inescapable throughout Brantford. This is evidenced by lively sports venues and streets bearing his name, alongside consumer sentiments pushing for new commemorations honoring his father Walter’s community efforts instead. Cleaner Kat Philp brings out a petition to rename roads, signaling not Gretzky’s affiliations, but his perceived detachment, as the community seeks affirmation of his Canadian identity. “We felt he was Canadian,” Philp shares, “but not anymore.”
For others, like former Oilers owner Peter Pocklington, the backlash feels undeserved. Defending Gretzky’s unwavering connection to his homeland while distancing him from political arenas, Pocklington castigates critics. Prominent figures remain silent, though the surge in nationalist fervor persists within ongoing discussions surrounding Gretzky’s legacy, especially as hockey star Alex Ovechkin approaches Gretzky’s NHL goal-scoring record. Critics call for Gretzky to articulate his views, issuing a platform for public discourse that’s yet to conclude.